MAN : Is this the student alumni association?
WOMAN : Why, yes it is.
MAN: Cheers. I’m a student here, actually, but I’ll be graduating next week. I’m interested in what you offer to alumni.
WOMAN: There’s a lot to tell you about. We put great effort into building relationships with our more than 280,000 alumni around the world. Our goal is to support alumni in their professional pursuits, and keep them involved in the university’s growth and development.
MAN: Mmm.
WOMAN: Our main focus is keeping alumni abreast of news related to the university and to trends in various professional sectors.
MAN: You mean, like, employment trends?
WOMAN: Sure. Or major industry-related news. Maybe there’s going to be a shift in the technology sector... along those lines.
MAN: I see. But why do people who have already graduated need to know about university events?
WOMAN: For one, many alumni want to stay involved with their alma mater. We have former students supporting the school in many ways, ranging from financial support to volunteering their time to mentor new students.
MAN: Huh.
WOMAN: I think people take pride in and identify with their educational institutions.
MAN: Yeah, I guess so. It’s the same with your old high school, your former sports teams...
WOMAN: Exactly. Oh, and we let alumni know about new research being done by professors and students. That helps keep you academically informed.
MAN: That would be something I’d appreciate. I have been studying engineering, and I’m worried that I’ll lose touch with cutting edge discoveries and developments.
WOMAN: Many people feel the same. For that reason, we also have a monthly lecture series hosted by a different department each time, and alumni are welcome to attend.
MAN: I reckon those are quite popular.
WOMAN: They sure are. As are our special alumni rates for continuing education courses.
MAN: Continuing education?
WOMAN: Um, courses that are offered to people who already have a degree, and just want to take some additional classes to help boost their professional qualifications.
MAN: Ah. I see.
WOMAN: But in order to enjoy these perks, you have to register as a member of the alumni association.
MAN: All right. How does one go about that?
WOMAN: Once you graduate, come back here and we’ll have you fill out a form. Then you’ll need to pay an annual membership fee of $120.
MAN: That’s a bit steep, don’t you think?
WOMAN: Not considering all the perks you get with it. Besides what I mentioned, alumni members also have special access to our libraries and to opportunities to apply for scholarships if they choose to continue their education with graduate school.
MAN: Fair enough. But to be honest, I’m only interested in how being an alumni association member will help me for my future career. I definitely don’t plan to go on for more education...I’ve had enough!
WOMAN: You’re not alone in feeling that way, I assure you! Our office has three career counsellors on staff to assist alumni in their career decisions. We also have an impressive network of both domestic and international employers, and share any job postings or notices we receive through our online database.
MAN: And that’s available to members?
WOMAN: Of course.
MAN: What about curriculum vitae writing, interviews... Can you help with that?
WOMAN: That’s what the counsellors are for. And around three times a year we offer skill-based workshops. We had one recently on small business start-ups.
MAN: Huh.
WOMAN: So, we really do make it worth your while to stay in touch. The membership fee makes this possible.
MAN: All right, I’m convinced. I’ll stop by once I’m officially a graduate.
WOMAN: Cheers. I look forward to it.